Donald Ray Belcher

Donald Ray Belcher, 78, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo. Don was born Oct. 20, 1944, in Nevada, to Carl and Geneva O. (Bains) Belcher. He married Sandra Lee Smith and to this union three children were born.

Don grew up in Nevada and attended high school there. He joined the United States Army and served two years while stationed overseas in Germany. Throughout his life Don worked in the food service business operating several restaurants in Nevada including the Daylight Doughnut Shop from 1980–1985, Opies Pizza for a time in the early 1990s, as well as various other restaurant ventures in the area. He was also an avid casino enthusiast.

Survivors include two children, a daughter, Penny Burchell (Michael), Nevada, and a son, James Belcher, Republic, Mo.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Darrell Belcher, Oswego, Kan., and Duane Belcher, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donalee Belcher; and a grandson, Joshua Belcher.

Memorial services with military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada.    

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.